Aziz Yildirim, Fener's president, has promised a major signing this summer and Eto'o is being mentioned. The striker has pumped Cameroon pal Rigobert Song, now of Galatasaray, about life in Istanbul and is aware of Fenerbahce's interest.

"The new signing will be a star like Roberto Carlos," said Yildirim, "but he won't be Brazilian."